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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-21-2020 IMP Minutes w/ AttachmentsINTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN STREET, SEBASTIAN, FL DECEMBER 21, 2020 Call to Order — The meeting was called to order by Mr. Benton at 2:00 p.m. II. Pledoe of Alleaiance was recited by all. III. Roll call Present Dr. Cox Mr. Carrano Ms. Callaghan (Zoom) Not Present Ms. Munroe — Excused Ms. Lovell — Excused Mr. Stadelman -- Excused Also Present: Ken Griffin, Stormwater Manager Brian Benton, Leisure Services Director Kim Haigler, Environmental Planner Barbara Brooke -Reese, MIS Manager Janet Graham, Technical Writer (Zoom) IV. Approval of Minutes -- November 2. 2020 Chairman Benton asked if everyone had a chance to review the Minutes as presented. All indicated they had. Hearing no changes/corrections, Mr. Benton called for a motion. A motion approving the November 2, 2020 Minutes as presented was made by Mr. Griffin, seconded by Mr. Carrano, and approved unanimously via voice vote. V. Announcements -- None VI. Public Input Mr. Benton called on anyone from the public who wished to speak. Russell Hermann, 566 Redwood Court, Sebastian. He identified himself as the Vice President of the Friends of St. Sebastian River. He stated that members of the Friends INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 2 MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21, 2020 of St. Sebastian River have been going to residents whose properties abut the canals and getting their input about what they see and what recommendations they have for this Sub -Committee. He commended the Sub -Committee for their work, as what they are doing is extremely important. He further stated that the residents are not very aware of what has happened and what is happening. He suggested it is important that the residents be brought up to speed about what has been done and what the City's expectations are. He hopes that the information can be put on the City's webpage or by some other means of getting the information out. He is disappointed that there are so few people from the public attending these meetings. He is aware it is an important and difficult task, but he asks if there is some method of letting the people know about the meetings. The Fdends of St. Sebastian River are doing their best to explain to people why it is important that they come to these meetings in order that they be educated about what is happening. Transparency is not a negative but is a positive action permitting the City to explain to the residents all the positive actions it is taking to improve the City. Bob Stephen, 150 Concha Drive, Sebastian. He thanked the members of the Sub - Committee for their work. He is disappointed that City Council decided to spray the pesticides immediately. He repeated a list of chemicals that are permitted to be used in the pesticides. He voiced concern over the potential health hazards of them. He stated that last week spraying was done. He stated that, if the City has to use the chemicals in and around the canals, it should post public notice before spraying is done. He asked why the City does not do that and asked that the City perform due diligence in regard to this matter. There being no one else from the public in chambers or on Zoom who wished to speak, Mr. Benton moved to the next agenda item. VII. New Business A. Non -chemical controls table Review listed methods and associated information for inclusion into the IPM Plan ii. Discuss methods currently being utilized by the Stormwater Department and contractors Ms. Haigler made a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the non -chemical pest control methods that were discussed and some others that had come up (SEE ATTACHED). INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 3 MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21, 2020 She explained that most of these agents are already in practice within the City. She asked for comments/cluestions from the Sub -Committee members. Mr. Carrano: Even though bivalves were mentioned, most of the waterways within the City do not have these. Ms. Haigler stated there are actually shellfish in the canals. Mr. Carrano stated there are freshwater clams and freshwater mussels, but usually those are found at a very low concentration. So their use in bioremediation is almost nothing. Ms. Haigler stated that is true. She put them on the list because they are a species that can help and, if there is a way to enhance them, that would be helpful. She is not sure if there is a way, but she put it on the chart for consideration. Along the shoreline of the Stormwater Park the bivalves can be seen because the wading birds search for them. Dr. Cox: Asked how long the Sub -Committee members have to comment on the list that Ms. Haigler sent out. Ms. Haigler stated she was hoping to get the list approved at this meeting. That does not mean that this list is limited to what is already on it; it is just so that the list be approved today, and then more items can be added as they are discovered. That information can be emailed to her. The whole Plan is not finalized, but she wants to section some things off and move forward. The Plan document is always open for comment until final approval. One of his pet peeves is that he goes around the City and watches the landscaping contractors do their lawn work. They do not collect the grass clippings, they just scatter them. When the rain comes, they wash into the ditches and into the canals. He thought there was something in the City's fertilizer ordinance that says that all of the grass clippings are to be bagged. So this is contributing into whatever Is getting into the lagoon. He asked if there is something in the City's fertilizer ordinance to that effect. Ms. Haigler stated she does not believe so. Mr. Griffin does not believe that is in the ordinance, and it is for all intents and purposes impractical. However, what the stormwater crew does is once a year from the major ditches and canals they try to physically remove all the cut vegetation, and that is a huge undertaking. Most years, they do a very good job of it. This year has been exceptionally difficult, but they still endeavor to do that for the rest of this fiscal year. When it comes to the $20+ million in grant dollars that is available, he knows of several folks who are skilled at lobbying, and if there is some place staff thinks they INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 4 MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21, 2020 should go with a map, knock on doors, or send emails, they would be happy to do that. Mr. Griffin stated the City has allocated the matching funds. The agency that decides the current grant applied for, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, is right now without an agency head, so that makes it especially difficult. However, as part of the bigger question in terms of being successful on this grant application and many other grant applications which the City is going to need to really get the system the way it should be, is to complete the Comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan, with all its facets well integrated. One of the principal criteria the City insisted on is that the firm have a demonstrated track record of having secured $50 million to $100 million in recent years in federal grant dollars. The firm that has been selected has done that, and the City believes they have significant expertise to be able to help the City secure the very substantial amount of money —way more than $24 million —that is going to be needed to do all that is needed to put the stormwater system in the shape that it needs to be in. Staff has been trying to work around there being no head of the FDEO by working with the governor's office. To date, they have not been successful. Dr. Cox stated the City only has to say the word, and his group will do lobbying to go after those funds. Ms. Callaghan: Regarding biological, cultural, and mechanical controls, which are what are being discussed presently, she has a comment on the column entitled 'Description" and the column entitled "How to Implement." She suggested, especially on the "How to Implement' column, regarding the second line on the blue tilapia where it says: "Since the entire stormwater system is interconnected with multiple outfalls into environmentally sensitive waters..." she feels it should be described more in depth as to how that can be implemented. She feels that the language there presently (a) is an opinion, and (b) maybe there is something in a column she did not see. She suggested that maybe the column header needs to change or regarding a description, she suggested there be more detail as to where the Sub -Committee is in the process. Ms. Haigler stated this is a general table, and there are different ways of approaching each plant. Regarding exactly what would be done and where it would be done, the Plan is not at that stage yet. The statement about the fish is not an opinion, but the entire stormwater system is interconnected with multiple ouffalls into environmentally sensitive waters. That disqualifies the stormwater system from adding carp or tilapia. That wording was cut off on the document, and she will correct that. Mr. Carrano stated that it is important to note that both of those fish would have required permits in order to be put in, and they INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 5 MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21, 2020 could be changed so the fish cannot escape, but that is just an extra step. Ms. Callaghan stated that is the level of detail that she is looking for to be added to the statement. Mr. Benton stated staff will make that adjustment and staff will expand the columns in the future to include all the verbiage. Mr. Benton opined that there are tilapia already in there. Ms. Haigler stated there are some naturally occurring ones, different ones. They are not the blue. Hearing no additional comments/questions from the Sub -Committee members, Mr. Benton called for public input on New Business, Item A. Bob Stephen, 150 Concha Drive. He stated that after reading some of the information, he has not seen anyone dredging the City's canals. He has not seen any manual weed pulling. He stated the City has said that it will bankrupt the City to have manual weed pulling. He asked if the City has applied for grants to help with this. He suggested there is a lot of money to be had by way of grants. He thinks the feds are extremely excited about cleaning the up the lagoon. He does not understand why the City is not getting money that way. Ms. Haigler addressed the subject of dredging and the manual removal. Manual removal occurs regularly, especially around the dams and weirs. That does not mean that it is widespread; it means that the City does practice it. Perhaps it could be enhanced in the future. The dredging is occurring every day. It may not be in everyone's back yard, but that is basically what the stormwater team has been working on for the past months consistently. She stated they have taken a lot of truckloads of muck and vegetation out. She stated Mr. Griffin could speak to that. Mr. Griffin stated that most of the City's stormwater system is only intermittently wet. In those portions that are intermittently wet and hence intermittently dry, the principal method of control is mechanical removal. So they are mowing, they are using hydraulic excavators and other heavy equipment and constantly removing vegetation, debris, muck, slough material, reshaping and reconfiguring the swales, ditches, and canals. It is only the portion of the City's system that is wet all the time which his department looks at, as they are doing now, using the herbicides. The City does not use herbicides on any of the intermittently wet/intermittently dry areas in the stormwater system. Some mechanical removal and harvesting and dredging are the principal methods of control of vegetation in most of the City's stormwater system. Mr. Carrano suggested care be taken when the term "dredging" is used versus "excavating." He stated those two terms should not be equivalent, although they might INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 6 MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21. 2020 be very similar. Mr. Griffin stated that is correct, and the City is interested in doing true dredging in the canal system and has applied for a major grant to do that, a $24 million grant to reconstruct, reconfigure, and dredge the canal system and establish a littoral zone of native vegetation that is self -maintaining in the City's canal system. He is hopeful that the City will receive the grant. The City has set aside its match already to show its commitment to pursuing that grant. This being an action item, Mr. Benton called for a motion approving the non -chemical controls table, adding the items that were discussed above. A motion was made by Dr. Cox to tentatively approve the non -chemical controls table, with additions as discussed and set forth above, seconded by Mr. Carrano and approved unanimously via voice vote. B. Introduction to chemicals used in aquatic plant management EPA -approved pesticides Ms. Haigler made a PowerPoint presentation on aquatic herbicides (SEE ATTACHED). She stated the State only approves certain active ingredients, of which there are 17. The active ingredients may be formulated and sold under different trade names, of which there are more than 100 different trade names currently used in Florida. They all fall under one of these active ingredients. She reviewed the various environmental and chemical variables to applying these products. It is up to the licensed applicator to follow the herbicide label use exactly. It is important to remember that there are labels on these chemicals, there is a set of safety data sheets, and these labels are the law. Also reviewed were the sheets which contain specific technical information which is useful in the event of a spill or accident. The different mixes of chemicals are changed during different seasons. That is all part of the process to keep them from developing a resistance. She asked if there were any questions or comments on this section. Dr. Cox: Stated that one problem that is present when there is a long list of chemicals is that it tells you that there is minimum harts to certain species with the proper use of that particular chemical. He stated that when several chemicals are blended, it is not known what the effects are going to be because these chemicals in combination are not tested. Ms. Haigler stated that the combinations listed are recommended in common practice. She does not have the research on that, but she stated it can be researched and can be discussed when the Sub -Committee goes further into the chemicals. Dr. Cox asked Ms. Callaghan if she knows if there INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 7 MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21, 2020 is any kind of study done on chemicals mixed together like this. Ms. Callaghan stated she is not able to provide that information today. She would have to do some research on that. Mr. Griffin stated that he has attended multiple presentations of papers on ongoing research in which a combination of methodologies and a combination of chemicals are used. The results are reported in great detail. There are many examples in which research is conducted specifically on different mixes of chemicals in scientific papers that are refereed, published, and well versed. Hearing no further comments/questions from the Sub -Committee members, Mr. Benton opened the meeting to public input on Item B, Section I, EPA -approved pesticides. Bob Stephen, 155 Concha Drive. He asked about the City's permit for spraying. He also asked about the condition of the waterways with use of these chemicals. He addressed the report card that came out recently which states the nutrient level is very high in the lagoon because of adding nutrient levels in the St. Sebastian River which goes out to the Lagoon. Seeing no one else in chambers and hearing no one on Zoom who wished to speak, Mr. Benton moved to the next item. ii. Chemical adjuvants Ms. Haigler reviewed the next part of the PowerPoint presentation (SEE ATTACHED). She explained that adjuvants are the chemicals that are added to the herbicides for different reasons. She intends to list the adjuvants in the chemical table and include them with their environmental impact quotient the same as is done with any of the chemicals. She described the different categories of the adjuvants and surfactants. She stated that at the next meeting she will have a scale of what percentage of adjuvants is used compared to the percentage of chemicals. It also needs to be studied as to what the consequences may be of those chemicals themselves. That will be addressed on the sheet along with the chemicals. She stated that the PowerPoints that are being presented at this meeting will be available on the Stormwater IPM website this week. Dr. Cox asked how to get directly to the Stormwater IPM website. Ms. Haigler stated there is a direct link from the Natural Resources Board website. Mr. Benton asked for questions/comments from the Sub -Committee members. Hearing none, he opened the meeting for public Input regarding Item B, Section ii, Chemical INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 8 MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21, 2020 Adjuvants. Seeing no one in Chambers and hearing no one on Zoom, he moved to the next item of the agenda. Vill. Old Business A. Review the "Introduction" Section of the Stormwater IPM Plan Discussion of changes and vote to approve Mr. Benton reviewed that this section of the Plan was presented two meetings ago. After some discussion, Ms. Haigler had made some revisions. It is open to the Sub -Committee members for discussion now, and hopefully a vote to approve this section can be done. Ms. Haigler reviewed the introduction which was attached to the meeting agenda, stating that everything in yellow (SEE ATTACHED) is what she changed before the November 8 meeting when it was discussed. This is basically the introduction to the program itself which will be implemented much the same as the IPM Plan for the parks. Anything different from the parks IPM Plan is highlighted in yellow. Everything in turquoise has been added since the last discussion. She called for questions/comments from the Sub - Committee members. Hearing none, Mr. Benton called on anyone from the public who wished to speak on this item. Seeing no one in Chambers and hearing no one on Zoom, Mr. Benton called on any further comments/questions from the Sub -Committee members. Dr. Cox stated it looked to be very straightforward. Mr. Benton then called for a motion. A motion by Dr. Cox for tentative approval of the proposed Introduction to the Stormwater IPM Plan was made, seconded by Mr. Carrano, and approved unanimously via voice vote. IX. Sub -Committee Member Matters Dr. Cox reviewed that at the council meeting on December gth, the Mayor suggested that the City hold off for a month on approving the contract with Aquatic Vegetation Controls to discuss further what happens when the vegetation in the canal is sprayed, no matter what it is and no matter what is sprayed, to look at the effects of that spraying because it causes a lot of dead matter that sinks to the bottom and becomes part of the muck problem. It was decided not to approve that hold, so the issue still remains. Dr. Cox stated when the airboat came through, he sprayed all down the one side across from the Stormwater Park and then came back down on the other side. Where he sprayed is now just a brown, yucky mess, which is now going to become part of the muck. Dr. Cox INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 9 MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21, 2020 stated he and the employee who was doing the spraying had a discussion about what was being sprayed and the rationale for what was being sprayed. Dr. Cox suggested that it would be useful for the company doing this work, if they are willing, to come and talk to the Sub -Committee and explain how they go about doing it and what goals they have. Dr. Cox stated that the thinking has been, if the invasive species are killed, the native species will regrow. Dr. Cox stated they will not. He has had conversations with three biologists, and they have all said, unless you are prepared to go back in and replant the native species, they will be gone completely every time because of the invasive material that is there. So all that is being done is spraying without any useful effect except to keep the invasives from spreading all across the whole surface of the canal. When Dr. Cox suggested doing it by other means, the employee said no, it takes too long and is too expensive to do it by hand, and they do not have any equipment that will come in there and pull it out. Dr. Cox would like to hear from Aquatic Vegetation Control (AVC) regarding their experiences and how that cycle can be broken. He asked Mr. Griffin if it would be possible to have AVC come and give a presentation on these matters. Mr. Griffin suggested that the Sub -Committee come up with an assignment to themselves to do that research. He further stated that the employee answered that question when talking with Dr. Cox and saying there is really nothing else that can be done that is cost feasible. Dr. Cox stated the employee in the airboat suggested that we should invite the scientist who works for the company to come and discuss the rationale for what they are doing. Mr. Griffin stated he will write to the principal of the company and will evaluate their answer and will report back to this Sub -Committee. Mr. Carrano stated he thinks the problem is twofold, and the first part of the problem is that the nutrient input into all the stormwater drains, creeks, and canals is excessively high. The advantage is going to go to whichever plant grows the fastest. So the non- native vegetation is going to outcompete constantly the native vegetation. The second part is that, by using chemicals and allowing this material to die and sink to the bottom, a habitat is created that is not suitable for the native vegetation to take hold. He pointed out that what was found in the past is the organic matter is a seed bed for the vegetation that was just killed. While some of these chemicals may work on the vegetative stalks, they may not work on the dormant seeds that, when the vegetation decays, are in that organic mess that is there, and as soon as the chemical influence goes away, they sprout and take hold. That is why it is very difficult to kill this material and remove it. If it is not removed from the waterway, the problem is never going to be solved. Mr. Griffin stated there can be equal problems with mechanical removal also, where the growth rates are many times more after mechanical removal than they were before. He suggested that part of the answer to this question is when spraying is done and how often spraying is done. What was put in place this year is probably the worst thing that could possibly have INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 10 MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21, 2020 been done --let the vegetation take off, grow exponentially, and then come in after waiting 12 months and try to control it. Timing is everything in terms of staying in front of the situation, so you do not wind up with that large amount of mass that has to be killed. Mr. Carrano suggested another question that should be asked is, should you spray. Because spraying is not the answer all the time. Spray when it is needed, but there may be some times when spraying should not be done. Just because people do not like the look of the vegetation in the waterways does not mean it has to be killed. Ms. Haigler stated this Sub -Committee plans to do what was done with the parks IPM Plan. The stonmwater assets will be divided into classes, i.e., the canals, ditches, and structures, and each of them will have a section where it will be discussed as to where that level is. Mr. Griffin stated that is a good point. With the City's stormwater system, which is quite extensive, most of the system is intermittently dry or intermittently wet, and none of that system is sprayed ever. So that is the right treatment, and that is done solely mechanically. It is only the wetted portions of the system that are wet all the time that need some judicious herbicide application. Mr. Carrano added that in those sections the most important areas are the pinch points such as the dams and weirs which have to be maintained by some mechanism. Ms. Haigler stated staff has records of where spraying was done in the past, and those are the same places the problems still exist. She added that what this IPM Plan is designed to do is establish a maintenance program that is going to guide the processes going forward. Since there was nothing done for a year, that has led to the vegetation getting out of control. That is why there is a chemical applicator trying to get it under control. Dr. Cox suggested that ideally, someone could come along behind the airboat and scoop up all the mess that is now present along the canal. Mr. Griffin explained that is exactly what the Stormwater Department has done. Spraying has been done with the thought in mind of what would be the impacts immediately afterwards. The amount of spraying was substantially limited so that there would not be any secondary impacts. That is part of the difficult job of catching up after doing nothing for 12 months. He opined that his department will soon be back in the maintenance mode so that there is not that threat of doing damage in the process of control. An attempt is being made to strongly limit the amount of chemicals that are used. Regarding mechanical control, Mr. Griffin stated that as much money was spent for one removal of 1,800 feet of aquatic vegetation from the Hardee Park canal area as was spent for the herbicide application for the entire stonmwater system for the entire year. Then, unfortunately, within a month after the mechanical removal, it came back to the same situation that it was prior. Dr. Cox related that one question that was posed to him was that, why do we want to get rid of it anyway. Natural vegetation is not going to come back because no one is quite INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 11 MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21, 2020 sure what the natural vegetation condition was there before. Unless it is choking the canal or doing things that prevent the flow, then leave it alone. Mr. Griffin agreed, but the canal system is the most important portion of the stormwater system. It is necessary to move the water through the City, or else there will be terrible flooding. So the stormwater capabilities of the canal system are attempting to be maintained, and the City is trying to do it through control of the invasives. It is well known what the invasives are. Those are the only ones that are being targeted. He is hopeful that after this initial effort the canal system will be back in the maintenance mode. The amount of chemicals that was used in prior years was a very small quantity and a very small dollar amount. Ms. Haigler stated it is important to remember that with the City's canal system, there is a series of dams and weirs and structures where there are major pipes that go underneath those structures that are not visible. Because of that, only about half of the canal system is accessible by the kind of equipment that would be required for mechanical removal or even for harvesting of sprayed vegetation. So that is something to be kept in mind. X. Staff Matters Ms. Haigler stated the kickoff meeting for the new landscape maintenance contract for the CRA area was held. As part of the kickoff, there was a copy of the Parks IPM Plan presented, and discussion was held on each of the items that the contractor would need to do to comply with the Plan. The "contractor agreement" was signed, and the contractor is using the City's signage and the City's forms. She expects great results from our new partnership with Tropical Landscaping. Mr. Benton agreed. Mr. Griffin stated he will follow up on what Dr. Cox requested him to do, and he will report back on what can be done to allow "good" non-invasive vegetation to survive. Mr. Benton wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year XI. Items for next Aoenda A. Further chemicals discussion Ms. Haigler stated there will be further discussion of the chemicals. She will have the prior Applied Aquatics treatment sheets to refer to in the discussion. There will be a preliminary chemical spreadsheet to review. Mr. Benton stated that for the next meeting the invoice and data sheets from the first month from the current contractor should be available. He stated the date for the next INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT SUB -COMMITTEE PAGE 12 MINUTES OF DECEMBER 21, 2020 meeting is January 11, 2021. XII. Adiournment There being no further business, Mr. Benton adjourned the meeting at 3:15 p.m. By: c Date: r A AG RE MINDSET.TECHNOLOGY. SOLUTIONS OUR MISSION We are committed to becoming a watershed to Agriculture and restoring it to its rightful place in the economy. This is substantiated through our ability to Envision the Big Picture and pinpoint the inefficiencies within our industry and provide solutions which ultimately contributes to our Mandate, Commitment and Successes. AGUA CULTURE AGENDA ► OUR ROAD ► OUR SOLUTION HOW OUR SYSTEM WORKS THE PRODUCT ► OUR VALUABLE FINAL PRODUCTS ► QUESTIONS AGUA CULTURE - OUR ROAD OUR HISTORY • Nick Szabo Founder, grew up on a hog farm in Ontario, Canada where his love for Agriculture began. • In 1992, his Journey began in the fertilizer business where he set a precedent through the design of his equipment which resulted in 300% increased industry efficiency. • In 2008, Nicholas ventured over the border and began working with North America's Largest farms converting what most saw as a waste and selling over $1 million worth of fertilizer in the form of manure to local crop farmers. Bridging neighbors- and big farms together by applying millions of gallons of wastewater/ma nure/biosolids successfully. AGUA CULTURE -OUR ROAD THE HISTORY OF ALGAEIAQUATIC WEEDS • In the late 1970's NASA discovered water hyacinths natural ability to clean water. Researchers placed the water hyacinths in sewage lagoons along with a multitude of chemicals. Within one week, the wastewater had reached drinking water standards. Algae has also been proven to have the same natural abilities. Its a O D O w W D t D CU Q D O a 0 W Z W Q Q � ca 4� -I s O � � s CC: i c m — y O s ._ O V(D V .c a E— m L10 s O V W O V 2 E to AGUA CULTURF -OUR ROAD AQUATIC WEED MANAGEMENT TODAY • Current management of Algae/ Hydrilla/Water Hyacinths consists of the use of toxic, harmful chemicals, further degrading fresh water bodies and leading to increased Algae blooms due to the massive amounts of nutrients these plants release into the water as they die and sink to the bottom. AGUA CULTURE - OUR SOLUTION • To harvest unconsolidated sludge/muck and algae/aquatic weeds, "the product" via our patented system. • Immediately process the product into a liquid form. • Pump the product to shore via our patented hose. • Apply the harvested liquified product as a soil amendment for nutrient uptake via growing native grass. This grass can eventually be harvested to further remove phosphorus from the area and sold as hay. 0 z a w D D CU Q D 0 a O coo -1� s V � � > cn (n fo > cn .� CL C;) O > L V (1) m s 4-1 t O E > s .c: C: V .Ln M i � V —aO O c6 -0 _ CLm AGUA CULTURE - LAND UTILIZATION PRODUCT APPLICATOR • This applicator will apply the product to the land after the grass has been harvested. 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AGUA CULTURE - HOW OUR DESIGN WORKS PROCESSOR • Our processor results in a liquified product that can easily be pumped to shore and utilized. x �mom ^�_ AGUA CULTURE - HOW OUR DESIGN WORKS CMA (CONTINUOUS MANURE APPLICATOR) REEL • This hose design eliminates the need for the harvester to travel back and forth to shore with the liquified product, maximizing efficiency and production. • As the harvesting system goes further out onto the water the hose reel unwinds as the liquified product runs through the hose to shore. e" k 5000 wioe eoov y X do -4�'w H CU D 0 0 w LU LL► w D D CU Q D C� a Z W M: Z W Q J O Cn n f6 s s U O O O s s 4-J to O Co O co � s V _ V O W to +,j c � > 0 CL � E C •Ln m M c O C: }' s C: +W C 0 •- O .� 'FC: •� O O s F L- O V c m f� V CL V) 0- 0 V AGUA CULTURE - OUR VALUABLE FINAL PRODUCTS THE MAJOR BENEFITS OF OUR AGUACU[JURE SYSTEM SUSTAINABLE. VIABLE & GREEN REPURPOSING A WASTE REDUCE CHEMICAL USE CLEANER WATER IMPROVE LOCAL ECONOMY � SEQUESTER CARBON PROVEN TECHNOLOGY AG RE MINDSET.TECHNOLOGY. SOLUTIONS INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN I. INTRODUCTION Scope The City of Sebastian's stormwater conveyance system encompasses 9 miles of canals, 80 miles of ditches, and over 15 ponds and retention areas. Other stormwater assets include: 310 culvert pipes and catch basins, 7 baffle boxes, as well as countless swales, road crossing pipes, dams, weirs, right-of-ways and a seawall perimeter. The Stormwater and Public Works Departments are charged with maintaining all of these features so that the treatment, transportation, and storage capacity of the entire conveyance system is preserved, while also ensuring the safety of City staff, residents, structures, wildlife, and the surrounding natural waters. The City of Sebastian is bordered on the east by the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and on the west by the San Sebastian River (SSR). Both of these waterways are environmentally sensitive, support a large number of native species, and are integral to the natural health of our region. Therefore, the City must also serve as a steward to the IRL and SSR by ensuring that the stormwater entering these waterways is as healthy as possible. In order to best manage pests within the stormwater system, while also protecting environmental health, City staff and contractors will continue utilizing the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through the implementation of this IPM Plan. Please note that this plan will not apply to any stormwater features located within any planned unit development (PUD), as these subdivisions have direct contracts with the water management district to design and maintain their own stormwater system. Also not covered by this plan is the City's cemetery, parks, or other properties, as these features are managed collectively by the City's Leisure Services Department and are addressed in a separate "Parks and Properties IPM Plan," which was adopted by City Council on October 14'", 2020. CITY OF SEBASTIAN PAGE 1 � �; �. 3 � l��i&LL�f�/.V��� _ -_ - y � � _ �.^t'•l +' ��4 1't LS.6m�flF3S3 � �,{ �' - ry yy —_ �V � ,_ _ �_ A � y v 'aG. � � J� _ � �l �c � /�.. 'Try �� � ,_-...-,._ 4 n � � r ,� . -, �-�,as-�.�sr ,� � � µ � _.. � � � � ,� .. ., �� �,.. '� — �: � - - �� � _-: j:.� �' � � {r .� ., y �. � � �� �. 51��' , ra _ %? `7� � � � _ f \�" _ � � m � rya �' - .,. r —r 'J)'4li Pik'. m,-w _ , 4� r�� s��, � �, g.. �' � a"M a I � 1 .. 5;�� Y, < {4 ♦ �,, H � � ^ � �� ��} A� �� 3 4 ,.�' �' ,. a � L k' 33 Y pp � ,. 2�% a > �" ,.., � q�. '' f tom° � � �,-., � rk y, , J, �.:�� _ y � 1 4� 11 . , � r,. �,; - � � _,, _ ", ���, -'tom g � is .off! yy �. � ,_ {_ .,�� �� _..- i _� -� —_- --T-- �.t- ... INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN IPM Sub -Committee In October of 2020, the Stormwater IPM Sub -Committee was formed to assist City staff in the development of an Integrated Pest Management Plan for the City of Sebastian's stormwater conveyance system. The sub -committee is to be comprised of the Stormwater Director, IPM Coordinator, three Natural Resource Board Members, and two local scientific consultants. The role of the IPM Sub -Committee is to assist in the development of a cohesive IPM Plan, advise on pest management issues, and evaluate the City's progress towards the goals of the IPM Plan. The Sub -Committee will review and approve the annual IPM report before it is presented to City Council. As part of the annual review, Sub -Committee Members will evaluate the current techniques and products to ensure they are based on the best available technologies and scientific information available. Recommendations will be made regarding changes to the annual reporting process and the IPM Plan document. In the development of the initial Stormwater IPM Plan, the IPM Sub -Committee will meet bi- monthly. Following adoption of the final IPM Plan by City Council, the committee will meet annually, unless more frequent meetings are needed, as determined by staff. All IPM Sub - Committee meetings will be held in compliance with Florida's Sunshine Laws, with public notice, posted agenda, and minutes taken by a recording secretary. IPM Coordinator In order to provide for the planning and oversight of the IPM program, the position of IPM Coordinator is established. The appointed IPM Coordinator shall be a member of City staff who is in a position related to environmental or planning, who shall coordinate with the Stormwater Director. Together, they will lead the creation and implementation of the IPM Plan, which will apply to the City's pest management activities on all of its stormwater ponds, canals, and ditches. Their responsibilities will also include the following: • Serve as liaison to IPM Sub -Committee ■ Monitor that City staff are adhering to the IPM Plan Standard Operating Procedures ■ Maintenance of accurate records on IPM implementation and use ■ Keep records of staff training in Green Business Best Management Practices and staff pesticide applicator certification ■ Assure the inclusion of City IPM policies and practices in any applicable third party contracts or purchase orders for pest management ■ Implement outreach efforts and maintain City's IPM Website. The IPM Coordinator will prepare an annual report of the City's IPM activities, which will be reviewed each March, by the IPM Sub -Committee and Stormwater Director in an effort to assess the effectiveness of pest control methods, feasibility of new methods and technologies, and decide whether revision of the IPM Plan is required. CITY OF SEBASTIAN PAGE 3 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN IPM Plan A pest, by definition is any plant, animal, or pathogen which causes disease, inflicts damage, or out -competes a more desirable species for an area. In addition, a pest may be aesthetically undesired, or threaten to impact human/animal health. However, for the purposes of this plan, noxious aquatic vegetation is the only pest of concern. According to the 2011 Florida Aquatic Plant Management Act, the uncontrolled growth of this vegetation poses a variety of environmental, health, safety, and economic problems (Appendix B).This legislation charges the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) with the supervision and control of aquatic plant management. Therefore, the FWC establishes that a "noxious aquatic plant", is any part or whole of an aquatic plant which has the potential to hinder the growth of beneficial plants, to interfere with irrigation or navigation, or to adversely affect the public welfare or the natural resources of the state. The Florida Aquatic Plant Management Act recommends that the management of these aquatic plants be carried out primarily through "maintenance programs," as they achieve more effective management at a lower overall cost. The City adopts this IPM Plan as its aquatic vegetation maintenance program and adopts the following definition of Integrated Pest Management as established by the City's IPM Sub - Committee: "To promote the most sustainable pest management methods, based on planning and prevention; which aim to minimize risks to human and environmental health through the limited use of chemicals, while also remaining economically feasible." Goals ■ Protect environmental resources by reducing the amount of pollutants entering surface and ground water and minimizing effects on native plants, animals and habitats ■ Ensure effective, economic pest management within the City's stormwater conveyance system, while minimizing health risks to the public, City staff, and the environment ■ Promote the transparency of the City's pest management activities ■ Increase public awareness of IPM methods and benefits IPM Program IPM Policy. The Stormwater IPM plan, as well as future modifications or amendments will be reviewed and voted on initially and annually by the IPM Sub -Committee, Natural Resources Board, Planning & Zoning Commission, and then presented to City Council for final approval. The plan will then be incorporated as City policy through the adoption of Resolution R-21-XX by City Council (Appendix A). CITY OF SEBASTIAN PAGE 4 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN IPM Program Coordination. The Stormwater Director and the IPM Coordinator are responsible for coordinating, tracking, and reporting the implementation of the City's IPM Program. Tracking Pesticide Use. City Staff and Contractors conducting pest management activities within the City's stormwater conveyance system are required to record thorough field data. Accurate records will be maintained on pesticide use and non -chemical methods utilized that are accessible for reference. All records will be retained for 1 year and stored on the City's Laser fiche system per record retention schedule. Staff Training. All City employees who, within the scope of their duties, apply or use pesticides will be trained on the City's IPM Policies as well as proper chemical storage and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). A certification course on Green Business Best Management Practices will be provided through partnership with the University of Florida Indian River County Extension Office as needed. The training sessions are coordinated by the Human Resources Director, who will track employees' attendance and ensure that City field staff holds an active certification. Licensed Applicators. At all times a minimum of 1 member of City staff must be a state certified aquatic pesticide applicator. The Human Resources Director and IPM Coordinator will keep a copy of all staff certifications on file. All pesticide applications will be in compliance with state regulations regarding applicator licensing. Information Resources for Staff. The IPM coordinator will act as a resource for City staff to help identify new pests and pest related concerns, and to assist in determining the best course of action consistent with the established IPM SOPs. The IPM Coordinator will also seek out and provide access to expert resources when needed. Public Outreach. Education and outreach efforts will include distribution of information, either created internally, or obtained through partnership with local and state government agencies. The IPM Coordinator will coordinate and keep records of the following: • A City webpage where the public may obtain information on IPM practices for their property, view the City's IPM Plan, annual IPM reports, IPM Sub -Committee minutes, and pest management treatment records. • The City's efforts to promote the reduction of urban pesticide use through social media, the City's website, print and television media. • The City's outreach to pest control operators (PCO's) and landscapers. • Distribution of IPM information and resources at public outreach and community events. • IPM information distributed to residents through the "New Homeowner Folders" during the final planning and zoning inspection. • Updates and status reports following the annual report and as requested by City officials. CITY OF SEBASTIAN PAGE 5 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN Contract Provisions. The Procurement Coordinator will review contract provisions and/or amendment(s) to agreements that provide pest management services within city maintained ponds, canals and ditches covered under this IPM Plan. All such contractors shall be required to review and sign the "contractor agreement" (Appendix B). Contract work will be monitored to ensure that City IPM policies and practices are adhered to by all contractors performing pest management work. Regulatory Reporting. The IPM Coordinator will handle reporting to regulatory agencies, which credit the adoption of an IPM Plan as a Best Management Practice (BMP). • Incorporate the IPM Plan into the Florida Department of Environmental Protections (FDEP)'s National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II, MS4 Permit Cycle 4, Year 2 Annual Report (September, 2022) and the Cycle 5 NOI (September, 2024) as a new BMP for Element 6: Pollution Prevention/ Good Housekeeping. • Add as new project and update through the statewide Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) annual report on water quality projects. • Add as new activity and provide update to the Indian River Lagoon Council for the Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) annual report on lagoon -related accomplishments. Community IPM Cycle This established cycle (Figure 2) will serve as the guideline for IPM Plan development and is based on planning and prevention, with the use of chemicals as the last resort for pest control. 1. Inspection and Monitoring: Staff routinely scouts the waters and surrounding landscapes to locate pests. Pest populations are monitored by visual checks and traps. 2. Identification: Pests must be accurately identified. Life history attributes are to be known for each pest identified. This step is key to effective treatment. 3. Planning: The focus is on prevention- what it takes to keep pests out. Determine what action is needed and whether a threshold has been crossed. Proper techniques and timing are for required management. 4. Implement Strategy: All pest management strategies are classified as biological, cultural, mechanical, or chemical. All methods are combined to maintain pests at acceptable thresholds. • Bioloaical Control: enhances natural enemy populations by creating habitat or adding populations • Cultural Control: Disrupts the pest's environment by removing pest attractants or utilizing pest resistant variety of desired species • Mechanical: Creates physical barrier to pest entry • Chemical Control: the last tool in the IPM toolbox, the goal is evaluate costs and benefits to choose the least -toxic and most feasible option available that will do the job CITY OF SEBASTIAN PAGE 6 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN 5. Record Keeping: Accurate record keeping is essential to a successful IPM program. Data must be kept on control methods implemented, chemical usage by staff, and purchase orders. Determine if control methods were effective by knowing what has changed through trap counts and observation. 6. Evaluate Effectiveness: Document if the program is meeting expectations. Establish if all actions have been in compliance with the City's IPM Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Assess what was learned and determine whether the plan needs revised. Figure 2: Diagram of the Community IPM Cycle SP'ECl'ION ONITORIN EVALUATE EFFECTIVENESS BIOLOGICAL JLTURAL CONTROL CONTROL F 8T �� If MECHANICAL -]EMICAL CONTROL CONTROL Grass Carp Tool Sanitation Mowing Herbicides Lady Bugs Mower Blade Hand Removal Insecticides Pathogens Sharpening Weedoo Bio-Pesticides CITY OF SEBASTIAN PAGE 7 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN Standard Operating Procedures When selecting and implementing a pest management strategy, from this plan, the following will be considered by Citv Staff: Site Factors. Use and function of the waters and surrounding landscape. • Considering the use and function of the assets and the surrounding landscape, stormwater features are divided into four functional categories (Figure 3) in which the action threshold and methods are determined: ➢ Structures: including dams, weirs, spillways, catch basins, baffle boxes, culvert pipes, inlets, outlets, and outfalls. These assets have a virtually zero tolerance for pests, as they must stay clear of vegetation and debris at all times in order to function. ➢ Canals: shoreline and seawall vegetation is acceptable and often encouraged. However, vegetation must be controlled to the seawall perimeters so that the storage and flow of the waterways is maintained. ➢ Ponds: shoreline emergent vegetation is encouraged. However, when the vegetation is not maintained, it can quickly take over these assets, reducing stormwater storage capacity and degrading habitat quality. ➢ Ditches: and right-of-way (ROW) areas have the highest tolerance threshold for pests, maintenance required is minimal. • Erosion and runoff potential of site • Proximity to other surface, surficial, and groundwater resources Figure 3: Stormwater Features Classification Table Structures Canals Ponds Ditches Dams Elkam Waterway Periwinkle RA ROW's Weirs Collier Waterway Cheltenham RA Spillways Schumann Lake Bark Park Pond Catch Basins Hardee Lake Garden Club Park Pond Baffle Boxes Harbor Waterway Tulip RA Culvert Pipes Seawall Perimeter Stormwater Park RA Inlets Day Drive RA Outlets Easy Street Spring Outfalls Costs. Both short and long term costs, as they relate to: • Costs of the material or method • Application and labor costs • Effectiveness and duration of effects on pest populations • Overall feasibility CITY OF SEBASTIAN PAGE 8 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN Other Factors. Additional factors relevant to the selection • Special equipment or storage required for method • Method of delivery • Chemical application must adhere to the standards of the City's Fertilizer Ordinance Ch.50 Sec.50-5 (Appendix C) • How all criteria may be affected by weather conditions • Previous pesticide applications on site and interval between treatments • Chemical application set -backs from slopes along waterways • Possibility of pest resistance • Equipment cleaning consideration before and after use • Potential synergistic effects of pesticide combinations The following considerations are addressed through the use of the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ), which is explained on page 21: Health and Safety Concerns. Potential effects on City staff and residents. • Toxicological properties and potential health effects of materials or methods • Equipment operation safety issues • Staff safety and injury concerns Environmental Considerations. Protection of native plants, animals and pollinators. • Consider toxicity or potential harm caused by the method to non -target organisms and habitat. • Potential for bioaccumulation of materials within soils and groundwater • Know if there is potential for negative effects from any pest control method or lack thereof on any federally or state protected species that may be in the area • Be aware of any nesting birds in the area and potential affects the method may cause • Understand the effects the method may have on pollinators • The effects of reduced control of invasive plants or pests to native biodiversity Product Characteristics. Specific product features • Possible residual effect and decomposition products • Volatility and flammability • Product formulation, recommended dilution and package size • Leachability and solubility CITY OF SEBASTIAN PAGE 9